Sept. 27, 2008
2008 MSU Football Game Notes vs. Indiana 
FIRST-AND-10 (what you need to know about the MSU-Indiana matchup) -
• Saturday's game marks the 57th meeting between Michigan State and Indiana. The Spartans lead the all-time series 39-15-2, including an 18-9-1 record in games played in Bloomington, Ind. Michigan State has won nine of the last 11 meetings overall. The Spartans' last win in Memorial Stadium came on Sept. 25, 2004, 30-20.
• Since 1950, the winner of the Michigan State-Indiana game has been presented the Old Brass Spittoon. The brass spittoon came from one of Michigan's earliest trading posts and is widely believed to be nearly 190 years old. Legend has it that the spittoon was around when both institutions were founded - Indiana in 1820 and MAC in 1855. Since '50, Michigan State leads the series 39-12-1.
• Michigan State enters its 56th season of Big Ten competition with a 29-22-4 record (.563) in league openers. The Spartans are 5-5 in Big Ten openers since 1998.
• Michigan State is 4-1 (.800) in Big Ten openers vs. Indiana, including a 2-1 mark in games played in Bloomington. The Spartans open Big Ten play against the Hoosiers for the first time since 2004.
• Senior running back Javon Ringer leads the NCAA in rushing touchdowns (11) and scoring (16.5 points per game). In four games, he has 11 rushing TDs after scoring six all of last season. The 5-foot-9, 202-pound Ringer also ranks second in the nation in rushing (174.8 yards per game) and third in all-purpose yards (234.0 ypg.). He leads the Big Ten in those three statistical categories: rushing, scoring and all-purpose yards.
• For the third week in a row, Ringer has been selected Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after becoming the first Spartan back ever to record back-to-back 200-yard rushing games, gaining 201 yards on 39 carries in Michigan State's 23-7 victory over Notre Dame. He becomes the first offensive player in Big Ten history to earn the award three straight weeks. The only other individual to accomplish that feat was Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny, who was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for three consecutive weeks in 2005 (Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10).
• Over the last three games, Ringer has rushed 116 times for 618 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 206.0 rushing yards per game, including back-to-back 200-yard games against Florida Atlantic (43 carries for 282 yards) and Notre Dame (39 for 201). It marks the highest three-game rushing total by a Spartan back since 1985 when Lorenzo White gained 659 yards in games against Indiana (286), Northwestern (150) and Wisconsin (233). Ringer's 618 yards rank as the fourth-best three-game rushing total in MSU history trailing only Eric Allen (774 yards in 1971) and White (702 in 1985 and 659 in 1985).
• Sophomore split end Mark Dell ranks second in the Big Ten and 15th in the NCAA in receiving yards, averaging 100.0 per game. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound Dell ranks ninth in the Big Ten in receptions, averaging 4.25 per game. He leads the Spartans in receptions (17), receiving yards (400), yards per reception (23.5) and yards after the catch (71). Sixteen of his 17 receptions (94 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a touchdown, including 10 gains of 20 yards or more.
• Senior strong safety Otis Wiley leads the Big Ten and NCAA in interceptions (4; 1.0 per game). In addition, he leads the league in passes defended (10: 6 pass break-ups and 4 interceptions) and ranks third in punt returns, averaging 14.1 yards. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Wiley ranks second on the team in production points (61) and fifth (tied with linebacker Eric Gordon) in tackles (20).
• Sophomore linebacker Greg Jones leads the Spartans in tackles (26 total), tackles for loss (4.5 for 12 yards) and production points (66). The 6-foot-1, 222-pound Jones has led the team in tackles in three of the first four games in 2008. He anchors a defensive unit that has allowed just two touchdowns in the last 12 quarters. In addition, Michigan State has surrendered less than 100 yards rushing in each of the last two games (82 by Florida Atlantic and 16 by Notre Dame).
THE COACHES -
Michigan State's Mark Dantonio (South Carolina 1979) is 10-7 (.588) in his second year with the Spartans and 28-24 (.538) in five seasons as a college head coach. In his first season as head coach at Michigan State, Dantonio led the Spartans to a 7-5 regular-season record, securing the program's first bowl bid in four years with a berth against Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla. He became just the third first-year coach in Michigan State history to earn a postseason bowl bid, joining Nick Saban (1995 Independence Bowl vs. LSU) and John L. Smith (2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Nebraska). Dantonio compiled an 18-17 record (.514) in three seasons at Cincinnati, including two postseason bowl appearances. Prior to accepting his first head coaching position at Cincinnati, he spent three years as defensive coordinator under Jim Tressel at Ohio State (2001-03) where he helped the Buckeyes to a combined record of 32-6 (.842), including the 2002 National Championship. Dantonio previously spent six seasons as secondary coach at Michigan State (1995-2000), including five years under Nick Saban and one under Bobby Williams. His college full-time coaching credits also include stops at Kansas (1991-94), Youngstown State (1986-90) and Akron (1985).
Indiana's Bill Lynch (Butler 1977) is 9-7 (.563) in his second year with the Hoosiers and 90-74-3 (.548) in 16 seasons as a college head coach. This marks Lynch's second stint at Indiana, as he previously served as the Hoosiers' quarterbacks coach under Bill Mallory from 1993-94 before returning to join Terry Hoeppner's staff as offensive coordinator and tight ends coach in 2005. He compiled an 81-67-3 record (.546) in 14 seasons as a head coach, including stops at Butler (1985-89), Ball State (1995-2002) and DePauw (2004).
TEAM COMPARISONS -
Michigan State Indiana
Basic Offense Multiple Multiple
Basic Defense Multiple 4-3 4-3
Offensive Starters Returning 7 6
Defensive Starters Returning 6 7
Specialists Returning 3 1
AVERAGE HEIGHTS & WEIGHTS (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Indiana
Offensive Line & Tight End 6-5, 302 6-6, 298
Offensive Backs & Wide Receivers 6-1, 210 6-0, 193
Defensive Line 6-4, 265 6-3, 283
Linebackers 6-1, 228 6-2, 234
Defensive Backs 6-2, 200 6-1, 198
CLASS BREAKDOWN (STARTERS) -
Michigan State Offense: 4 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores, 2 freshmen
Michigan State Defense: 3 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores
Indiana Offense: 1 senior, 6 juniors, 4 sophomores
Indiana Defense: 3 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 sophomore, 1 freshman
STAT LEADERS -
Michigan State (after four games):
Rushing - Javon Ringer (143 carries for 699 yards, 4.9 avg., 11 TDs)
Passing - Brian Hoyer (45 of 101 for 700 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs)
Receiving - Mark Dell (17 catches for 400 yards, 23.5 avg., 1 TD)
Tackles - Greg Jones (26 tackles, 14 solos, 12 assists, 4.5 TFL)
Indiana (after three games):
Rushing - Kellen Lewis (35 carries for 331 yards, 9.5 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Kellen Lewis (43 of 73 for 473 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs)
Receiving - Andrew Means (14 catches for 206 yards, 14.7 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles - Jammie Kirlew (17 tackles, 11 solos, 6 assists, 2.5 sacks)
CURRENT SPARTANS vs. INDIANA -
Career Stat Leaders
Rushing - Javon Ringer (2 games: 40 carries for 312 yards, 7.8 avg., 3 TDs)
Passing - Brian Hoyer (3 games: 25 of 31 for 251 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs)
Receiving - Javon Ringer (2 games: 5 catches for 30 yards, 6.0 avg., 0 TDs)
Tackles - Otis Wiley (3 games: 13 tackles, 12 solos, 1 assist, 1 interception)
STAT COMPARISON -
Michigan State Indiana
Scoring 28.2 32.0
First Downs 19.5 23.3
Total Offense 378.2 447.0
Rushing Yards 195.2 269.0
Passing Yards 183.0 178.0
Time of Possession 32:50 29:36
Third Down Conversions .373 .366
Points Allowed 13.8 19.3
Total Offense Allowed 323.0 298.0
Rushing Yards Allowed 107.0 105.0
Passing Yards Allowed 216.0 193.0
MSU/INDIANA SERIES NOTES -
Saturday's game marks the 57th meeting between Michigan State and Indiana. The Spartans lead the all-time series 39-15-2, including an 18-9-1 record in games played in Bloomington, Ind. Michigan State has won nine of the last 11 meetings overall. The Spartans' last win in Memorial Stadium came on Sept. 25, 2004, 30-20.
BATTLE FOR THE OLD BRASS SPITTOON -
Since 1950, the winner of the Michigan State-Indiana game has been presented the Old Brass Spittoon. The trophy was initiated by the junior and senior classes and the MSU student council at Michigan State, and soon accepted by the IU Student Senate. The brass spittoon came from one of Michigan's earliest trading posts and is widely believed to be nearly 190 years old. Legend has it that the spittoon was around when both institutions were founded - Indiana in 1820 and MAC in 1855. Since '50, Michigan State leads the series 39-12-1.
BIG TEN OPENERS -
Michigan State enters its 56th season of Big Ten competition with a 29-22-4 record (.563) in league openers. The Spartans are 5-5 in Big Ten openers since 1998.
Michigan State is 4-1 (.800) in Big Ten openers vs. Indiana, including a 2-1 mark in games played in Bloomington. The Spartans open Big Ten play against the Hoosiers for the first time since 2004.
Here's a look at Michigan State's results against Indiana in Big Ten openers:
Date MSU Result Site
Sept. 25, 2004 W, 30-20 Bloomington, Ind.
Oct. 3, 1992 W, 42-31 Spartan Stadium
Oct. 5, 1991 L, 0-31 Bloomington, Ind.
Sept. 28, 1957 W, 54-0 Spartan Stadium
Sept. 24, 1955 W, 20-13 Bloomington, Ind.
THE LAST MEETING -
Oct. 13, 2007, in East Lansing, Mich.: Javon Ringer rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries to help Michigan State end a six-game Big Ten losing streak and beat Indiana 52-27. Brian Hoyer was 20-for-23 for 190 yards and a TD for the Spartans, who led by as many as 32 points in the third quarter. Jehuu Caulcrick rushed for three TDs and Devin Thomas caught 13 passes for 148 yards and a TD. Indiana's high-powered offense was kept off the field much of the game by Michigan State, which dominated time of possession. Kellen Lewis ran for a TD and passed for another for the Hoosiers. James Hardy caught six passes for 121 yards and a TD. The Spartans, coming off two straight losses and hoping to fire up themselves and a Homecoming crowd, used a fake field goal on the game's opening possession to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Caulcrick. Aaron Bates, the team's punter and holder on field goal attempts, took the snap and scampered 14 yards to give the Spartans a first-and-goal inside the 5 yard line. But Indiana answered immediately on its first play from scrimmage. Lewis faked an inside handoff then cut hard to his right, streaking down the sideline 59 yards to tie the game at 7. Then Michigan State took over with a ball-control offense, chewing up clock and keeping the ball away from the explosive Hoosiers. The Spartans had the ball for just over 41 minutes. Ringer's 64-yard TD run early in the second quarter gave the Spartans a 24-10 lead. He started to his right, cut back left all the way across the line of scrimmage, then streaked down the left sideline, aided by receiver Terry Love's key block. Michigan State stretched the lead to 45-13 in the third quarter when Jonal Saint-Dic caused a Lewis fumble deep in Indiana territory. The fumble was scooped up by Ervin Baldwin and returned 12 yards for a touchdown. Indiana crept back to within 45-27 late in the third quarter, which ended with the Hoosiers' Tracy Porter returning a Michigan State fumble 76 yards for a TD.
THE LAST MEETING IN MEMORIAL STADIUM -
Oct. 28, 2006, in Bloomington, Ind.: Kellen Lewis threw five touchdown passes, including four to James Hardy, and ran for another score in leading Indiana past Michigan State 46-21. Michigan State grabbed the lead with a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. But Indiana gave up just 35 yards the rest of the first half and did not allow another first down until the fourth quarter, a span of 12 possessions by the Spartans and 46 straight points by the Hoosiers. Michigan State took a 7-0 lead over the Hoosiers when Drew Stanton threw 38 yards to Devin Thomas for his first career TD reception. Lewis then took control, finishing 15-of-26 for 261 yards. Three of Lewis' four touchdown passes in the first half were to Hardy, including two scores in a span of 37 seconds late in the second quarter. Lewis threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Hardy with 44 seconds to go, then the Hoosiers got the ball back two plays after the kickoff when Adam McClurg forced and recovered a fumble by Jehuu Caulcrick at the Michigan State 17. Two plays later, Hardy made it 30-7 with a 17-yard TD reception. Hardy also had a 30-yard TD catch in the first quarter. Lewis scored on a 27-yard run and passed 13 yards to Hardy for another TD in the third quarter. The Hoosiers made it 46-7 on a safety when Terry Love fumbled the ball out of the end zone on an Indiana punt. Lewis also threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Thigpen in the second quarter. Brian Hoyer replaced Stanton in the fourth quarter and led the Spartans to two scores, a 4-yard TD run by Brett Kahn and a 13-yard pass to Kahn after the interception off Lewis by SirDarean Adams.
MSU/INDIANA COACHING CONNECTION -
Indiana linebackers coach/special teams co-coordinator George Ricumstrict spent the 1996 season as a graduate assistant at Michigan State, working under former Spartan head coach Nick Saban.
ALAN HALLER NAMED HONORARY CAPTAIN -
Michigan State University Police Lt. Alan Haller, who oversees the motorcycle patrol unit, has been selected honorary captain for Saturday's Big Ten opener at Indiana. A four-year letterman as a cornerback for Coach George Perles from 1988-91, Haller earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors as both a junior and senior. His career totals include 199 tackles, eight pass break-ups and three interceptions. He made three postseason bowl appearances with the Spartans (1989 Gator, 1989 Aloha and 1990 John Hancock).
The former Lansing (Mich.) Sexton star was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1992 National Football League Draft. Haller spent three seasons in the NFL, playing for Cleveland (1992), Pittsburgh (1992-93) and Carolina (1995).
BIG TEN/NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the Big Ten and NCAA stat leaders in 2008:
Category Stat Avg. Big Ten NCAA
Rushing Offense 195.2 5th 29th
Passing Offense 183.0 8th 91st
Total Offense 378.2 8th 63rd
Scoring Offense 28.2 8th 60th
Rushing Defense 107.0 8th 37th
Passing Defense 216.0 7th 74th
Total Defense 323.0 8th 50th
Scoring Defense 13.8 5th 18th
Passing Efficiency 103.6 11th 98th
Pass Efficiency Defense 103.3 6th 29th
Turnover Margin +0.5 7th 39th
Net Punting 32.8 9th 87th
Punt Returns 15.3 1st 29th
Kickoff Returns 19.9 7th 82nd
NCAA STAT LEADERS -
Here's a glance at how Michigan State ranks among the NCAA individual stat leaders in 2008:
Individual Statistics (Top 50)
Rushing: Javon Ringer (2nd at 174.8 yards per game)
Receiving Yards: Mark Dell (15th at 100.0 yards per game)
Interceptions: Otis Wiley (t-1st at 1.0 interceptions per game)
Punting: Aaron Bates (45th with 40.9-yard average)
Punt Returns: Otis Wiley (26th at 14.1 yards per return)
Field Goals: Brett Swenson (t-44th at 1.25 field goals made per game)
Scoring: Javon Ringer (1st at 16.5 points per game)
All-Purpose Yards: Javon Ringer (3rd at 234.0 yards per game)
RINGER EARNS THIRD-STRAIGHT BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR -
Senior running back Javon Ringer leads the NCAA in rushing touchdowns (11) and scoring (16.5 points per game). In four games, he has 11 rushing TDs after scoring six all of last season. The 5-foot-9, 202-pound Ringer also ranks second in the nation in rushing (174.8 yards per game) and third in all-purpose yards (234.0 ypg.). He leads the Big Ten in those three statistical categories: rushing, scoring and all-purpose yards.
His 143 carries also lead the nation - 30 more attempts than the second running back on the list. According to STATS, the last player to have as many rushing attempts through four games was Iowa State's Troy Davis in 1996.
For the third week in a row, Ringer has been selected Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after becoming the first Spartan back ever to record back-to-back 200-yard rushing games, gaining 201 yards on 39 carries in Michigan State's 23-7 victory over Notre Dame. He becomes the first offensive player in Big Ten history to earn the award three straight weeks. The only other individual to accomplish that feat was Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny, who was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for three consecutive weeks in 2005 (Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10). This marks the fourth time in Ringer's career that he has won the award, as he garnered the honor once last season after rushing for 202 yards against Indiana.
His 201 rushing yards were the most ever by a Spartan against Notre Dame (previous high: 157 by Dennis Mendyk in 1956). He scored on a pair of 1-yard runs against the Irish. On MSU's final scoring drive, Ringer carried the ball seven straight times for 77 yards, including a 63-yard gain to set up his second TD run. In four career games against Notre Dame, he rushed 83 times for 445 yards and two scores.
Despite playing in a downpour, Ringer set career highs for rushing attempts (43) and rushing yards (282) in Michigan State's 17-0 victory over Florida Atlantic. His 282 rushing yards represent the fourth-best single-game total in Spartan history and the second-highest rushing total in the NCAA Bowl Subdivision thus far this season. Ringer outgained the entire Florida Atlantic team (282 rushing yards vs. 225 total yards for the Owls). He became just the sixth running back in MSU history to eclipse the 3,000-yard career milestone. Ringer scored on runs of 21 and 11 yards against the Owls, and his 32-yard run set up a third-quarter field goal. He accounted for a career-best 308 all-purpose yards against Florida Atlantic, becoming just the eighth player in school history to amass 4,000 career all-purpose yards. His 308 all-purpose yards mark the second-best single-game total in school history, trailing only Eric Allen who produced 397 yards at Purdue in 1971.
Ringer shared Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (with Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber and Penn State running back Evan Royster) after rushing for 135 yards and a career-best five TDs to lead Michigan State to a 42-10 victory over Eastern Michigan. His five rushing TDs represent the second-best single-game total in Spartan history, just one short of the school record held by Blake Ezor (six rushing TDs vs. Northwestern, 1989). Ringer scored on runs of 4, 6, 2, 1 and 2 yards. He rushed a career-best 34 times against the Eagles - the highest single-game total by a Spartan since Marc Renaud had 35 carries for 229 yards against Minnesota in 1995. Ringer accounted for 205 all-purpose yards against EMU (135 rushing, 8 receiving and 62 kickoff return yards).
He accounted for 200 all-purpose yards in the 2008 season opener at California (81 rushing yards, 17 receiving yards and 102 kickoff return yards). Ringer rushed 27 times for 81 yards against the Golden Bears and scored on runs of 1 and 10 yards.
The Dayton, Ohio, native ranks fifth on MSU's all-time rushing list with 3,460 career yards (596 carries), and his 5.81 yards per carry ranks as the sixth-highest rushing average in school history. Ringer also ranks among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision active career leaders in rushing yards (4th at 3,460 yards), all-purpose yards (5th at 4,311 yards) and rushing yards per carry (8th at 5.81 avg.). He has 15 career 100-yard rushing games and seven career multi-TD games.
Ringer has been nominated for three national awards: Maxwell Award (Player of the Year), Walter Camp Player of the Year and Doak Walker Award (nation's top running back).
RINGER'S THREE-GAME STRETCH RANKS AMONG BEST IN SPARTAN HISTORY -
Over the last three games, Michigan State senior running back Javon Ringer has rushed 116 times for 618 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 206.0 rushing yards per game, including back-to-back 200-yard games against Florida Atlantic (43 carries for 282 yards) and Notre Dame (39 for 201). It marks the highest three-game rushing total by a Spartan back since 1985 when Lorenzo White gained 659 yards in games against Indiana (286), Northwestern (150) and Wisconsin (233). Ringer's 618 yards rank as the fourth-best three-game rushing total in MSU history trailing only Eric Allen (774 yards in 1971) and White (702 in 1985 and 659 in 1985).
Top Three-Game Rushing Totals
Runner - Year Yds. YPG. Three-Game Stretch
1. Eric Allen - 1971 774 258.0 Wisconsin (247), Iowa (177), Purdue (350)
2. Lorenzo White - 1985 702 234.0 Purdue (244), Minnesota (172), Indiana (286)
3. Lorenzo White - 1985 659 219.7 Indiana (286), Northwestern (150), Wisconsin (223)
4. Javon Ringer - 2008 618 206.0 EMU (135), Fla. Atlantic (282), Notre Dame (201)
Top Four-Game Rushing Totals
Runner - Year Yds. YPG. Four-Game Stretch
1. Eric Allen - 1971 853 213.3 Wisconsin (247), Iowa (177), Purdue (350), Ohio State (79)
2. Lorenzo White - 1985 852 213.0 Purdue (244), Minnesota (172), Indiana (286), Northwestern (150)
RINGER GAINS ATTENTION IN HEISMAN RACE -
Senior running back Javon Ringer, who is averaging 206.0 rushing yards over the last three games including back-to-back 200-yard games against Florida Atlantic (282) and Notre Dame (201), ranks among the nation's Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates by CBSSports.com (No. 5), ESPN.com (No. 7 - tied) and Heismanpundit.com/Orlando Sentinel (No. 8 - tied). ESPN.com's Graham Watson listed Ringer fourth on this week's ballot.
In addition, Ringer ranks fourth in CollegeFootballNews.com's Top 10 Player Race (national player of the year).
DELL DELIVERS BIG PLAYS IN PASSING GAME -
Sophomore split end Mark Dell ranks second in the Big Ten and 15th in the NCAA in receiving yards, averaging 100.0 per game. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound Dell ranks ninth in the Big Ten in receptions, averaging 4.25 per game. He leads the Spartans in receptions (17), receiving yards (400), yards per reception (23.5) and yards after the catch (71).
Sixteen of his 17 receptions (94 percent) have resulted in either a first down or a touchdown, including 10 gains of 20 yards or more.
Dell had four receptions for 80 yards in Michigan State's 23-7 victory over Notre Dame, including a 28-yard grab early in the fourth quarter that helped set up Brett Swenson's third field goal.
His 47-yard reception against Florida Atlantic helped set up Javon Ringer's 11-yard TD run that gave the Spartans a 17-0 lead.
He caught three passes for 71 yards (23.7 avg.) in MSU's 42-10 victory over Eastern Michigan, including a pair of 29-yard grabs from Brian Hoyer that set up TD runs for Ringer.
Dell recorded career highs in receptions (9) and receiving yards (202) in MSU's 38-31 loss at California. His 202 receiving yards mark the fifth-best single-game total in Spartan history and the fourth-highest total in the NCAA Bowl Subdivision thus far this season. He became the first Spartan to post a 200-yard receiving game since Charles Rogers (10 catches for 270 yards) against Fresno State in the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic.
Eight of his nine receptions in the 2008 season opener resulted in either a first down or a TD, including five gains of 20 yards or more.
Dell had five catches for 141 yards in the fourth quarter against the Golden Bears. His 29-yard TD reception from Hoyer with 3:09 left in the game cut MSU's deficit to seven (38-31). Earlier in the fourth quarter, his 52-yard grab set up a Spartan field goal.
Heading into the 2008 season, MSU's biggest challenge on offense was filling the shoes of NFL second-round draft pick Devin Thomas (Washington Redskins), who set Spartan single-season records for receptions (79) and 100-yard receiving games (7). His 1,260 receiving yards represented the third-best single-season total in school history.
In 13 games as a true freshman last year, Dell had 20 catches for 220 yards (11.0 avg.).
After four games, here's how Dell's 2008 production stacks up against Thomas' 2007 numbers:
Receiving Comparison G Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs
Mark Dell - 2008 4 17 400 23.5 1
Devin Thomas - 2007 4 16 370 23.1 3
HOYER LISTED AMONG TOP PRESEASON CANDIDATES FOR UNITAS AWARD -
Fifth-year senior quarterback Brian Hoyer ranks among the Big Ten leaders in passing (No. 7 at 175.0 yards per game) and total offense (No. 9 at 173.8 ypg.). He has completed 45-of-101 throws (.446) for 700 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
In Michigan State's 42-10 victory over Eastern Michigan, Hoyer completed 8-of-12 passes for 148 yards. His 29-yard completion to Mark Dell sparked a six-play, 50-yard scoring drive late in the first half as the Spartans built a 21-7 halftime lead, and his 46-yard strike to B.J. Cunningham late in the third quarter set up Javon Ringer's fourth touchdown run.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hoyer recorded his fourth career 300-yard passing game, completing 20-of-48 passes for 321 yards in the 2008 season opener at California. He threw for 186 yards (9-23) in the fourth quarter against the Golden Bears, including a 29-yard TD strike to Dell as the Spartans pulled to within 38-31 with 3:09 to play.
The North Olmsted, Ohio, native already ranks among MSU's career leaders in TD passes (tied for No. 6 with 27), pass completions (No. 7 at 365), pass attempts (No. 8 at 644), completion percentage (No. 9 at .567) and passing yards (No. 7 at 4,455). He has compiled a 10-8 record in 18 career starts.
Hoyer, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the media in 2007, is listed among 26 preseason candidates for the 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually since 1987 to the nation's top senior quarterback by Transamerica Insurance and Investment Group. Hoyer is one of four Big Ten quarterbacks being considered for the Unitas Golden Arm Award, including Northwestern's C.J. Bacher, Ohio State's Todd Boeckman and Purdue's Curtis Painter.
The award is named in honor of National Football League legend Johnny Unitas, who threw for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns during his 18-year pro career (Baltimore Colts, 1956-72; San Diego Chargers, 1973). He threw a TD pass in an NFL-record 47 consecutive games. Unitas, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, made 10 Pro Bowl appearances, earned All-Pro honors nine times and was selected league MVP on three occasions (1959, 1964 and 1967).
A four-year letterman at Louisville from 1951-54, Unitas passed for more than 3,000 yards and 27 TDs during his collegiate career. He ranks as the only player in Louisville football history to have his jersey number (No. 16) retired.
The 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be presented on Dec. 5 at the Tremont Grand in Baltimore, Md.
WILEY EMERGES AS DEFENSIVE, SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYMAKER -
Senior strong safety Otis Wiley leads the Big Ten and NCAA in interceptions (4; 1.0 per game). In addition, he leads the league in passes defended (10: 6 pass break-ups and 4 interceptions) and ranks third in punt returns, averaging 14.1 yards. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Wiley ranks second on the team in production points (61) and fifth (tied with linebacker Eric Gordon) in tackles (20).
The Flint, Mich., native intercepted two passes and recorded five tackles in Michigan State's 23-7 victory over Notre Dame. His first interception came midway through the first quarter as he outjumped Notre Dame's Duval Kamara in the back of the end zone, preserving MSU's 3-0 lead. Wiley's second interception came midway through the second quarter at the Irish 22 and set up MSU's first touchdown, a 1-yard run by Javon Ringer that gave the Spartans a 10-0 halftime lead. It marked the second time this season that Wiley had two interceptions (vs. California in the season opener).
He posted five tackles and matched his career high with four pass break-ups in the Spartans' 17-0 victory over Florida Atlantic. It marked Michigan State's first shutout since November 1999 (34-0 vs. Northwestern) and its first home shutout since September 1996 (47-0 vs. Eastern Michigan). The Spartans limited Florida Atlantic to nine first downs, 143 passing yards and 225 total yards. The Owls came into the game averaging 19.0 first downs, 306.5 passing yards and 423.0 total yards per game.
Wiley amassed 113 punt return yards on five returns (22.6 avg.) against Eastern Michigan, tying for the fourth-best single-game performance in Spartan history. Michigan State only managed 126 punt return yards all of last season on 31 attempts (4.1 avg.). Wiley's 78-yard scamper to open the fourth quarter was the 10th-longest in school history. The MSU single-game record is 137 punt return yards on six returns by Derrick Mason against Eastern Michigan in 1996. He also contributed four stops and a pass break-up against the Eagles.
Wiley recorded six tackles, two interceptions - returning one 31 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter - and a pass break-up in MSU's 38-31 loss at California in the 2008 season opener. With the two interception returns for 84 yards, Wiley moved into eighth place on MSU's all-time list with 161 career return yards.
JONES ENJOYING BANNER SOPHOMORE SEASON -
Sophomore linebacker Greg Jones leads the Spartans in tackles (26 total), tackles for loss (4.5 for 12 yards) and production points (66). The 6-foot-1, 222-pound Jones has led the team in tackles in three of the first four games in 2008. He anchors a defensive unit that has allowed just two touchdowns in the last 12 quarters. In addition, Michigan State has surrendered less than 100 yards rushing in each of the last two games (82 by Florida Atlantic and 16 by Notre Dame).
In MSU's 23-7 victory over Notre Dame, Jones recorded a season-high nine tackles, including one for a 1-yard loss. With nine stops against the Irish, he surpassed the 100-tackle career milestone. Jones totaled 21 production points against the Irish.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, native posted six tackles, including one for a 5-yard loss, in the Spartans' 17-0 victory over Florida Atlantic. It marked Michigan State's first shutout since November 1999 (34-0 vs. Northwestern) and its first home shutout since September 1996 (47-0 vs. Eastern Michigan). In the first half, the Owls managed just four first downs and 90 total yards.
Jones produced eight stops in the season opener at California, including two behind the line of scrimmage (6 yards).
SWENSON FEATURED ON LOU GROZA AWARD WATCH LIST -
Michigan State junior Brett Swenson, who ranks 10th on MSU's all-time scoring list with 205 career points, is listed among 30 preseason candidates for the 2008 Lou Groza Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate placekicker by the FedEx Orange Bowl and sponsored by the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Sports Commission.
The 5-foot-8, 169-pound Swenson moved into 10th place on MSU's career scoring list by accounting for 11 points in the Spartans' 23-7 victory over Notre Dame. He matched his career high by converting all three field-goal attempts against the Irish, hitting from 45, 26 and 23 yards. Swenson also added two extra points.
He accounted for seven points in the 2008 season opener at California, converting 1-of-2 field-goal attempts and all four PATs. His 34-yard field goal with 4:38 left in the fourth quarter against the Golden Bears pulled the Spartans to within a touchdown at 31-24.
The Pompano Beach, Fla., native already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in extra points (fifth with 100 made) and field goals (tied for seventh with 35 made). Swenson also ranks among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision active career leaders in extra points made (12th with 100), field goals made (tied for 14th with 35) and scoring (19th with 205 total points).
The placekicker award is named in honor of former National Football League great Lou Groza, who earned the nickname "The Toe." Groza, who scored 1,608 points in 21 years with the Cleveland Browns (1946-59, 1961-67), was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. The former Ohio State Buckeye made nine Pro Bowl appearances as a standout offensive tackle and placekicker.
A national panel of 300-plus voters, including college head coaches, sports writers, sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers and previous Lou Groza Award finalists, selects the recipient.
The selection committee will identify 20 semifinalists on Nov. 11, while three finalists will be named on Nov. 26. The winner will be announced during the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11 in Orlando, Fla.
SPARTANS FACE ONE OF THE NCAA'S TOUGHEST SCHEDULES DOWN THE STRETCH -
Michigan State's eight remaining opponents comprise the nation's 11th-most difficult schedule (tied with Texas), according to NCAA figures. The Spartans' future opponents have a combined record of 16-6 (.727) against other Bowl Subdivision teams.
Here's a look at teams facing the NCAA's toughest remaining schedules in 2008:
Rank Team Combined Opp. Record Winning Pct.
1. Kansas 17-3 .850
2. Georgia 21-4 .840
3. Iowa 18-4 .818
4. Baylor 17-4 .810
5. Ohio State 18-5 .783
6. Michigan 20-6 .769
Indiana 20-6 .769
Illinois 20-6 .769
9. Oklahoma 18-6 .750
10. Purdue 20-7 .741
11. Michigan State 16-6 .727
Texas 16-6 .727
